Live in Florence, Italy with a community of like-minded people.
More than just a vacation, immerse yourself for a month or two in Italian culture and experience firsthand the Italian way of life. You’ll learn to speak Italian, make new friends, and discover new passions.
Exclusive Apartments
Community Activities
In-Person Florence Support Staff
Optional Activities & Tours
Get Florence Details
Request a digital brochure with dates, prices, housing, and activities for our experience in Florence, Italy.
As Seen On:
Live like a local and enjoy a variety of activities with like minded people in Florence, Italy.
Florence is a city that has something to offer everyone. Art lovers will be amazed by the city’s world-class museums, which house masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and other Renaissance masters. Foodies will delight in the city’s delicious Tuscan cuisine, which includes everything from bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) to ribollita (Tuscan bread soup). And history buffs will be fascinated by the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. But living in Florence for a month is more than just a vacation. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Italian culture and experience firsthand the Italian way of life. You’ll learn to speak Italian, make new friends, and discover new passions.
Your experience always includes
Exclusive Apartments
Live on the opposite side of the Arno River - away from the tourist frenzy. Experience local life, steps away from authentic shops, cafes, and restaurants. All private apartments are located within restored palaces, or palazzos.
Local Community Manager
Your local host who organizes community activities and connects you to local events. Whether you want to study Italian, volunteer, learn cooking, or just connect with locals, our Community Manager can guide you.
Cultural Experiences
Your Community Manager curates the best local events in Florence that only locals know. Access the undiscovered side of this historic city. All scheduled community activities, meals, and happy hours are included in the program fee.
Health & Wellness
Travel medical insurance included in program fee. Community Manager can connect you to optional activities such as yoga classes, gyms, and nearby hikes and excursions to beautiful places near Florence.
Oltrarno Program Site
Our main program site in Florence is the Oltrarno Site, in the Oltrarno neighborhood, located on the south side of the Arno River. However, during some months, we offer an identical program at another site on the north side of the Arno River. This is called our Centro Site. When booking, you will be able to see both Program Sites.
While most tourists congregate on the north side of the river Arno, the Oltrarno neighborhood on the south side of the river is here where local Florentines still live. Oltrarno was rebuilt once the Medici family settled there during the renaissance. Most of our members live in apartments located within a restored Italian palazzo that maintains its historical charm, but provide modern amenities such as dishwashers, washing machines, high speed internet, and a fully equipped kitchenette, living room, and bedroom. When you walk outside, you can still admire traditional artisans working in their shops, or you can savor famous Italian aperitifs in one of the many wine bars nearby. Best of all, you’re only a short walk across the bridge to all the tourist attractions on the north side of the river.
All apartments are located within a restored historical palazzo, and include the following:
Recently restored palazzo
Fully equipped kitchenette
High speed internet
Weekly cleanings
Queen sized beds
Dining area
Walking distance from everything
Living room
Bathroom with shower stall
Centro Program Site
Our Centro Program Site is based in the Teatro Luxury Apartments, on the north side of the Arno River. These refined residences, born from the meticulous restoration of the historic Florentine Teatro Comunale, offer an extraordinary blend of history and contemporary ease. Our same team of Community Managers organize all the same events and activities as in our Oltrarno Site, the only difference is the lodging. The Teatro apartments are located on the north side of the Arno River, next to the medieval tower Torre della Serpe, near the foot of Parco delle Cascine, Florence’s largest park. Identical program, different apartment building.
All apartments are located within the same upscale building, and include the following:
Studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments
Fully equipped kitchenette
High speed internet
Weekly cleanings
Upscale fixtures
Dining area
Walking distance from everything
Living room
Bathroom with shower stall
Authentic Florence Experiences
As part of The Good Life Abroad community in Florence, Italy, you will experience a thoughtfully curated selection of activities designed to immerse you deeply into local culture. In addition to our weekly Tuesday Lunch Club and happy hours, our program includes a rich variety of cultural and hands-on experiences. You’ll enjoy an architectural and historical walking tour of Florence, a day trip to a charming nearby city, and a pasta-making cooking class. You’ll even take part in a leather workshop to explore one of Florence’s most iconic crafts. Your Community Manager is also able to connect you to local activities that you're interested in, such as private language lessons, museum and wine tours, or guided excursions to nearby towns.
Some of the experiences you'll enjoy in Florence and Tuscany include:
Welcome reception & farewell party
Weekly “Tuesday Lunch Club” in different local restaurants
Weekly “Happy (to be 55+) Hour”
Day trip to the charming town of Pistoia
Pasta-making cooking class
Architectural and historical walking tour of Florence
Leather workshop
Medieval painting lecture and workshop
Additional Experience Options:
Unique personal experiences that can be arranged at an additional cost with your Community Manager
Excursion to Siena
Private cooking classes
Private Tuscan countryside wine tour
Private Italian language classes
Private museum tours
Gym or yoga studio membership
Florence Community Managers
Martina, Giacomo & Silvia
In Florence, our trio of Community Managers - Martina, Giacomo, and Silvia - are ready to help you live la dolce vita.
Martina grew up in Tuscany and is a licensed tour guide with expertise in wine and local culture, she brings Florence’s art, history, and hidden corners to life through her storytelling. Giacomo, a Florentine with Italian-German roots, is known for his colorful anecdotes and local insights, and is always ready to reveal something new about his hometown. Silvia, Italian-Czech and bilingual since birth, studied languages and literature in Florence before following her passion for people and culture into hospitality. They're always eager to share favorite trattorias, help you discover authentic Italian experiences, or swap stories over a cappuccino. Together, they form a dynamic, welcoming team that makes Florence feel like home.
Getaway with Day & Weekend Trips
Make Florence your home base and delve into the charm of nearby Tuscan towns and cities, all within 1-2 hours by train or car. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend retreat, you’ll find countless opportunities to experience the rich culture, history, and flavors of Tuscany.
Your Month-Long Florence Experience
More than just a vacation, immerse yourself in Italian culture and experience firsthand the Italian way of life. You’ll learn to speak Italian, make new friends, and discover new passions.
Your Tailored Experience Includes:
Modern Furnished Apartment
Weekly ‘Tuesday Lunch Club’
Weekly Happy Hour
Weekly Walking Tour or Workshop
Travel Medical Insurance
Included Extras
Day trip to Pistoia
Pasta-Making Cooking Class
Architectural and Historical Walking Tour of Florence
Leather Workshop
Medieval Painting Lecture and Workshop
Get Florence Details
Request a digital brochure with dates, prices, housing, and activities for our experience in Florence, Italy.
What Our Community is Saying
“I loved the activities, they were really unique and different. We did belt making, a cooking class, and we went to a lunch that was clearly filled with people from Florence and not full of tourists.”
From New Jersey
Experienced Florence, Italy
“I loved the group activities, like our picnic in the Rose Garden and making belts at a leather shop. The people are amazing, and I would definitely recommend it to friends. Italia is fantastico!”
Experienced Florence, Italy
Tom shares his time and experience in Florence, Italy.
From Pittsburgh, PA
Experienced Florence, Italy
Frequently Asked Questions About Florence
Spring and fall offer ideal weather for exploring the city’s famous landmarks and scenic streets. Winter is quieter, providing a peaceful environment to enjoy Florence’s art and history.
Florence is compact and best explored on foot, with most attractions located near the city center. For longer distances, taxis are a convenient option, as public transport within the city is limited.
The Uffizi Gallery and Florence Cathedral are must-visit landmarks showcasing Renaissance art and architecture. Outdoor attractions like Piazzale Michelangelo offer breathtaking views of the city.
Florence has a mix of casual trattorias and upscale restaurants offering authentic Tuscan cuisine. Many have outdoor seating and easy access for older adults.
The historic center is ideal for its proximity to major sites, shopping, and dining. Accommodations near the Arno River often provide quieter options with stunning views.
Siena, Pisa, and the Chianti wine region are excellent options for history, culture, and scenic beauty. Trains and guided tours make these destinations easily accessible.
Florence is generally safe, though crowded areas like the Ponte Vecchio may require extra caution with personal belongings. Enjoy exploring the city’s charming streets with confidence.
Alumni Experience in Florence
Based on 41 reviews
The Community Managers really highlighted the best things in the city to do and see.
Bonnie Marie P.
June 21st, 2025
Well planned, skilled in country guides, good accommodations in good location. Martina and Giacomo were simply perfect.
Karl K.
June 20th, 2025
We loved Florence and enjoyed the people in our community and the managers.
Bob B.
June 18th, 2025
Jeffrey S.
June 17th, 2025
Giacomo and Martina layered the curated experience to build on each layer. The hands on workshops allowed me to respect, admire, and enjoy the major cultural aspects of city including art, cuisine, leather textiles, and wine. The trust building Giacomo and Martina provided gave us the courage to adventure out past our comfort zone.
Joe Loreto F.
June 15th, 2025
It is the perfect experience for people who have never been abroad and don't like the constant on/off travel experience. You can do as much as you want or as little as you want. This experience will let you feel the everyday life and still see the important historical items and events. The most important and enjoyable experience for me was having the Community Managers Martina and Giacomo. They curated each event with such care, kindness, and professionalism. They tied all of the experiences together to make our learning understandable and exciting.
Bonnie Marie P.
June 15th, 2025
Well planned, comfortable accommodations, experienced and friendly guides, great balance between leisure and activities. Martina and Giacomo did a wonderful job!
Karl K.
June 15th, 2025
Its' the people! Giacomo and Martina have the best personalities and know everything we want to know! They are the best!
Christine C.
June 14th, 2025
1. For a solo traveler, it’s a great way to enjoy the company of others while having your independence. 2. Eliminates the drama of finding a suitable place to stay when you travel. 3. Provides a wide array of quality experiences that one can partake of.
Elsa F.
June 14th, 2025
The trip was everything I wanted. There was a support infrastructure and organized activities but plenty of time for doing what I wanted. Martina and Giacomo are terrific—the absolute best!
Patricia U.
June 11th, 2025
Our accommodations were really good and the location was really nice. We really enjoyed meeting the people in our group. Martina and Giacomo were great. They were very helpful and they gave great tours. Thank you for thinking outside the box and arranging this type of travel.
Shellie B.
June 9th, 2025
The trip was everything I had hoped for and more. Lovely accommodations, attentive & knowledgeable community managers, forming lasting relationships with fellow travelers, and a wonderful itinerary allowing time for individual trips but including innovative planned activities. I did, in fact, get an opportunity to 'live like a local'.
Katchen M.
June 6th, 2025
For the people that want to travel abroad and not have the hassles of a tour company. I really like the extra activities you had for us - the belt making, the art class, the spaghetti class.
David B.
June 6th, 2025
I feel this is a great way to travel. There is a perfect balance of support and freedom for me. I love getting ideas from other group members and the community managers
Barbara R.
June 6th, 2025
Quality adventure for active seniors.
Daniell M.
June 5th, 2025
Great apartment, activities, and having the community managers made everything easier. What I appreciated the most was having that community of people to connect with. This was my first solo trip and that made all the difference. I think what I enjoyed most was the location of Florence. I took many day trips and the accessible trains were key. I probably took 20 trains in my month there.
Jean S.
June 4th, 2025
The apartment manager was helpful in getting settled. The community managers were exceptionally helpful and excellent tour guides. We needed to visit a doctor during our stay and our community manager hooked us up with an English speaking one which was great!
Steven S.
May 23rd, 2025
Great program.
Mark P.
May 21st, 2025
Great overall experience.
Matthew A.
May 19th, 2025
Very tailored to the older traveler, which was vital to bringing my 89 yo mom. Our community guides Giacomo and Martina were amazing. Our activities were well-considered and the balance between free time and planned activities was good. Our lodgings (Dragomanni) were excellent as well.
Mary S.
May 19th, 2025
Everything was plainly spelled out and the printed information was thorough. Martina and Giacomo in Florence were warm, friendly and very personable. My wife and I had a wonderful experience I with them.
Anonymous
May 15th, 2025
Uniquely curated experience with capable and supportive community manager. Giacomo & Martina were very supportive throughout the month.
Julie S.
May 10th, 2025
Our two Community Managers made it a most enjoyable experience. Thanks for the great experience!
Susanne W.
May 10th, 2025
The outline of the program is great—a mix of group activities, optional activities and suggestions for our own time. Love Martina and Giacomo—they were organized and communicated well to the group. I really liked the group programs they set up.
Kathleen B.
May 9th, 2025
Excellent way to immerse in the local culture. Martina and Giacomo were superb as community managers.
Russell B.
May 9th, 2025
Great experience. Martina and Giacomo were outstanding.
Russell B.
May 9th, 2025
The program is suited for any kind of traveler's personal experience.
Katherine S.
May 8th, 2025
Wonderful program.. good balance of togetherness and free time. Community managers were fabulous!!!
Merle J.
May 8th, 2025
Great community managers and lovely apartment.
Bob L.
May 6th, 2025
Outstanding community managers, Martina and Giacomo. I felt so well taken cared of. So many fun and memorable moments created by Martina and Giacomo.
Marian B.
May 5th, 2025
The variety of planned and optional activities was great and the communities managers were so helpful and friendly and supportive.
Denise F.
May 4th, 2025
I was hoping for an immersive experience and I feel I got what I wanted. The variety of planned and optional experiences was varied and still allowed me time to explore in the city and beyond on my own making it very personal. Overall a wonderful experience.
Merle J.
May 4th, 2025